On Saturday, October 20, 2018 we’re opening the doors of Gigafactory 1 to those interested in learning more about career opportunities at Tesla. Come see what we’re working on, tour our facility, and meet members of the team who are accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Nevada’s Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison recently returned from a 10-day TravelNevada trade mission to China. One of his biggest takeaways is the Chinese — who make up the No. 1 foreign travel market for the U.S. — see the Tesla gigafactory near Reno as a major tourist attraction.

Designed to connect Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 50, the USA Parkway expansion project will provide employees easier access to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, home to a growing number of major employers such as Tesla Motors’ gigafactory and Switch’s SUPERNAP colocation data center. It’s a benefit that applies to both daily commuters and logistics companies.

Since Tesla Motors decision last year to build its 5-million-square-foot battery gigafactory now under construction east of Sparks, one thing appears clear: The coattail effect is real. Dozens of companies have joined the parade of commerce to Northern Nevada in the past year led by the electric car maker’s massive operation that will eventually employ 6,500 people.

For many Northern Nevadans 2014 seemed like a turning point in so many ways. Let’s take a look back and see how the events and developments of 2014 have changed the landscape and outlook for our region. The biggest news in business and technology was Tesla’s announcement that Northern Nevada was chosen as the site of its gigafactory.

Now that much of the dust has settled over the Tesla deal that will bring the world’s largest battery plant to Northern Nevada, one big questions remains — will the economic projections surrounding Tesla actually pan out?